Best Affordable Romantic Hotels

Udai Kothi
Udaipur, India

The Location: The regal Rajasthani town of Udaipur is known as the “city of lakes”—and Udai Kothi sits right across from the most famous of them: glittering Lake Pichola, where the waters are rimmed by towering palaces, serene temples, and bathing ghats (stone stairs that descend into the lake).

The Romance: The hotel’s rooftop pool, with sweeping views over the city, is surrounded by cushioned alcoves just right for cozying up in. Inside, the stately, turreted mansion is adorned with elaborate tile work, mirror inlays, and archways; many of the 25 guest rooms have cushioned window seats that look over the flowering back garden. By autumn 2009 the hotel will have seven suites, some with private plunge pools; for now, standard rooms start at about $102.

Don’t Miss: A long, bumpy, but worthwhile ride into the Aravalli hills that brings you to the spectacular 15th-century Jain temple at Ranakpur—considered one of India’s most beautiful. Wandering through the complex of intricately carved shrines, spires, domes, and more than 1,400 marble pillars—no two of them alike—is awe-inspiring.